Alternative charges is something of an enigmatic topic. They exist, but Prosecution Branch struggles to define them. The lecture provided by LTDU on the topic provides the following table: | Charge Laid | Act and Section | Alternatives | Act and Section | | -------------------------- | ----------------- | --------------------------- | ------------------ | | Theft | Crimes Act, s. 74 | Handle Stolen Goods | Crimes Act, s. 88 | | Intentionally Cause Injury | Crimes Act, s. 18 | Recklessly Causing Injury | Crimes Act, s. 18 | | Handle Stolen Goods | Crimes Act, s. 88 | Deal with Proceeds of Crime | Crimes Act, s. 194 | | XPCA 0.05 or above | RSA, s. 49(1)(b) | XPCA within 3 hours | RSA, s. 49(1)(f) | | Drive in manner dangerous | RSA, s. 64 | Drive at speed dangerous | RSA, s. 64 | # Prosecution Branch Standard Operating Procedures Whilst the document is no longer up to date and is 'pending change', the previous document provides: **Substantiative Charges:** The most serious charges (determined by maximum penalty) that have been laid in relation to the action of an accused person; or charges which, if withdrawn, would prevent an ancillary application from being made (e.g. forfeiture order). **Alternative Charges:** Charges which are laid in addition to substantive charges *that arise from the same actions of the accused*; and charges that have a lower maximum penalty than the substantive charge. The above table is also from that source document. # My Thoughts The lack of proper documentation on the matter is disappointing. The important excerpt from the SOP's is that an alternative charge is considered to be a charge that arises from the same actions as another charge. To date, the SOP's remain under review and no copy is actually available to Victoria Police members. I have retained a copy that I located on the Intranet some time ago. It has been previously suggested that a table should be created which includes all literal alternative charges available. I don't believe this is the best course. There are a large amount of charges. My attempts to create a table became very duplicitous.